Control device for tabulation printing

ABSTRACT

A control device for tabulation printing comprises a tabset register for defining each column of a printing sheet to be tabulation-printed; storing means adapted to store a printing position on the sheet in synchronism with the movement of a printing head and be operated in association with the tabset register; a tabset control register for storing a signal read out from the tabset register and defining a lower tabset position of any selected column of the printing data, and storing a signal representative of that position left-shifted from the stored position of the lower tabset signal to the extent equal to the number of digits or orders of the data where the highest orders or digits of the data are to be printed; a control means for controllably printing the highest digits or orders of the data on the corresponding position of the printing paper so that the lowest digits or orders of the data are printed in vertical alignment and on the side of the lowest tabset position.

' United States Patent Kashio Dec. 16, 1975 CONTROL DEVICE FOR TABULATION PRINTING Primary Examiner-Gareth D. Shaw Assistant ExaminerPaul R. Woods [75] Inventor Tosh, Kashm Tokyo Japan Attorney, Agent, or FirmF]ynn & Frishauf [73] Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.,

Higashiyamato, Japan 57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: June 1973 A control device for tabulation printing comprises a [21] Appl 371,954 tabset register for defining each column of a printing sheet to be tabulation-printed; storing means adapted to store a printing position on the sheet in synchro- 1 Foreign pp y Data nism with the movement of a printing head and be op June 22, 1972 Japan 1. 47-62672 erated in association with the tabset register; a tabset control register for storing a signal read out from the [52] 1.1.8. Cl 340/172.5; 197/177; 235/61 B; tabset register and defining a lower tabset position of 235/619 R any selected column of the printing data, and storing a [51] Int. Cl. G06C 23/06 signal representative of that position left-shifted from [58] Field of Search 1. 340/1725; 235/159, 61 B, the stored position of the lower tabset signal to the ex- 235/60.12, 61.9 R; 197/20, 179, 177 tent equal to the number of digits or orders of the data where the highest orders or digits of the data are to be [56] References Cited printed; 21 control means for controllably printing the UNITED STATES PATENTS highest digits or orders of the data on the correspond- 3,012,713 12/1961 Richards 235/6012 "l of the prming paper that W 39727238 11,963 Chan A v t r r 37,220 X diglts or orders of the data are printed in vertical 3 14 1 9/1954 Heise v v H 235/6112 alignment and on the side of the lowest tabset posi- 3,242,3l7 3/1966 Reiss et al 1 235/619 R 3,265,874 8/1966 Soule, Jr. et a1... 235/159 3,519,118 7/1970 Reszka 1 197/176 6 Clam, 6 D'awmg Fgures 23 22" T EGlSTER S1(TAB$ET SELECTOON) 18 O cJESiEv TABSET 27 2s 42 c ci'riii t DELAY 7 Q R a ate Q 3 a L 1 2s 1 $3 F F/F KEY some 1: 1 sateen; u MON K 37 54 1 57(DATA) & L set TAB OPERATION) PRINTING 1 -541CARR|AGE CONTROL 26L RETURN CIRCUIT u U m [1 l R 3 35 i 6 i- 40 sF/FG 11 g 41 38 BUFFER REGISTER I a o BEAD'NG sab 56 $5, 12

IGIT READ OUT 33 L PRINTING 54b e 39 SECTION U.S. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 2 0M F l G. B I I7 l TABSET I6 REG'STER S1(TABSET SELECTION) HEAD POSITION REGISTER 346* $30 9 TABSET 8 k 20 CLEAR KEY 50 Q R-(I I T QF/F N KEY BOARD It; S2(TABSET SPACE) sIIIOATA COMMON I 87(DATA) 58(TAB OPERATION) -S4(CARRIAGE 26,

sat) S6 ss Iz PRINTING 834D SECTION S iO RETURN US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 4 of4 3,927,395

FIG. 3

1O 2O 3O 4O 5O 65 8O TABSET REGISTER A B IO HEAD PoSITIoN B REGISTER c TABSET CONTROL 2O REGISTER D +H+4 DlGlT IS F HEAD POSITION 19 REGISTER I TABSET CONTROL I REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR TABULATION PRINTING This invention relates to an improved control device for tabulation printing, and more particularly to a control device in which the lowest orders or digits of respective data are printed in vertical alignment and on the side of a lower tabset position defining any column of a descriptive list.

Where any desired data is printed in any column of a descriptive list using an electronic calculator, an address of an input data to be printed is designated and a predetennined tabset position of the descriptive list is selected. Then, a printing head is driven up to the selected tabset position from which a data printing operation is initiated. Any left and right tabset positions defining any column of the descriptive list are hereinafter referred to as an upper and a lower tabset position, respectively. However, when the input data is numeri cal data, it is undesirable to print the numerical data from said selected tabset position i.e. an upper tabset position. Particularly the width of each column of the descriptive list is intended to have a sufficient capacity not fully occupied by actual input data and, when the highest digit of any input data is printed from any upper tabset position, it is very difficult to numerically identify each digit of the printed data. From this view point it is desirable that a plurality of numerical data be printed with the lowest digits of the respective data vertically aligned on the side of the lower tabset position.

In an attempt to print a plurality of numerical data items with their digits vertically aligned on a lower tabset position side, there has conventionally been proposed a means for adding to the foremost part of small numbers. For example, where a l-digit number 2 is printed in a column capable of printing a 3-digit number, a numerical value 002 has been printed instead. However, it is undesirable for preparation of a descriptive list to print the unnecessary digits 00.

Also conceivable is a means for printing a lowest digit of an input numerical data item in a desired column of a printing list on the side of a lower tabset position, as will be described below. That is, an upper tabset position defining any selected column is designated and the digit of any numerical value printable in the column of the printing list is read out. By a comparison between the digits of the input data and the digits printable in the column, a printing position corresponding to the highest digit of the input data is thus determined. In this method, however, it is necessary to store the capacity of the column (i.e. the number of digits printable in the column), in addition to the designation of tabset positions for preparation of a descriptive list. Furthermore it is also necessary to compare the capacity of the column with the digits of the input data so as to select the printing position corresponding to the highest digit of the input data. Therefore, a printing device will be very complicated in its construction.

Accordingly an object of this invention is to provide a control apparatus for tabulation printing, in which a plurality of tabset positions for defining a plurality of columns on a printing sheet are designated and, upon receipt of input signals, the lowest digits of the input signals to be printed in any column of the printing sheet are aligned on the side of the lower tabset position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A control device for tabulation printing comprises a printing data input means; means for temporarily storing printing data from the printing data input means; a printing section for printing the temporarily stored data in any selected column of a printing, the printing section including means for causing a relative lateral movement of a printing means and the printing sheet to effect printing sheet to be printed; a tabset register for storing signals corresponding to at least one tabset position defining a respective printing column of the data; storing means operated in synchronism with the relative lateral movement of the printing means relative to the sheet to be printed, for storing a signal representative of any printing position relative to the printing sheet; a tabset control register for storing a signal read out from the tabset register and defining a lower tabset position of any selected column of the printing data, and storing a signal representative of that position leftshifted from said storing position of the lower tabset signal to the extent equal to the number of digits or orders of the data where the highest digits or orders of the data are to be printed; and a control means for controllably printing the highest digits or orders of the data from the temporary storage means in that selected column of the printing sheet corresponding to the signal representative of that position which is stored in the tabset control register.

According to this invention, tabset positions defining each column of a printing sheet are designated and a signal defining a lower tabset position of any selected column is stored in a tabset control register. By storing a signal representative of that position left-shifted from the storing position to the extent equal to the number of digits or orders of the data where a highest digits or orders of the data are printed, the highest digit or order printing position is selected. Thus, an improved control device simpler in design, easier and more stable in operation can be provided, as compared to prior art devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A and 1B together are a block diagram showing one embodiment according to this invention;

FIG. IC illustrates a connection diagram of one embodiment of the printing control circuit shown in FIG. IA;

FIG. ID illustrates one detailed example of the printing section shown in FIG. 1B for explaining the operation thereof;

FIG. 2 shows one example showing one descriptive list to be printed according to this invention; and

FIG. 3 shows the storing state of each register involved when the descriptive list of FIG. 2 is prepared according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. IA and 18 there are provided, in a specified relation to be later described, a keyboard 10 for inputing printing data, an output buffer register 11 for temporarily storing the input data, a printing section 12 for printing the input data on a printing sheet (not shown), for example, a descriptive list, a tabset register 13, a head position register 14 for storing a printing head position in the printing section, and a tabset control register 15. The tabset register 13 stores 3 tabset positions defining each priming column in the descriptive list and is capable of storing bits, l20 bits for example, corresponding in number to one line digits or orders printing. The head position register 14 is so arranged to be operated in parallel with the tabset register and the tabset control register are. The head position register is the same in storage capacity as the tabset register. The buffer register 11 may be also the same in storage capacity as the above registers. The registers l3, l4 and 15 each consist of, for example, a shift register and are arranged to be driven in synchronism with each other. The registers 11, 13, 14 and 15 may be comprised of serially connected 120 units of one-bit memory as shown in H6. 2 of US. Pat. No. 3,523,284. If supplied with appropriate synchronization signals (not shown), registers 13, 14 and 15 can circulate the stored bit or bits in such a dynamic mode as illustrated in FIG. 4 of said US. Pat. No. 3,523,284.

Each of the shift registers has a shift circulation circuit. The output of the head position register 14 is fed. together with a tabset position selecting signal S1 from the keyboard 10, to an AND circuit 16. The output of the AND circuit 16 is supplied to the tabset register 13 through an OR circuit 17. A tabset space signal S2 from the keyboard is supplied, as a right shift signal 53a, to the head position register 14 through an OR circuit 18. The output of the OR circuit 18 is further fed, as a printing head step-by-step moving signal S3b, to the printing section 12. A carriage return signal S4 from the keyboard 10 is supplied to the head position register 14 as a return signal 54a for shifting its memory bit to a higher digit position, while the output S4 is coupled to the printing section 12 as a carriage return instruction signal 541). As a result, a carriage return stop signal S5 is obtained from the printing section 12 in a manner to correspond to the carriage return instruction. The signal S5 is supplied to the set terminal S of a flip-flop circuit 19. The outputs of the registers 13 and 14 are fed to an AND circuit 20. When the outputs of the registers 13 and 14 are fed simultaneously to the reset terminal R of the flip-flop 19, then the flip-flop 19 is reset. The set output of the flip-flop 19 is led to an OR circuit 18.

The outputs of the tabset register 13 and head position register 14 are fed to an AND circuit 21, and the output of the AND circuit 21 is supplied to the set terminal 5 of a flip-flop circuit 22. An output signal obtained at the set output tenninal O of the flip-flop circuit 22 is supplied to a delay circuit 23. for example, consisting of a delayed flip-flop circuit for delaying by one bit the shift time of the tabset register 13. The output signal of the delay circuit 23, together with the next subsequent output signal from the tabset register 13, is fed to the input terminal of an AND circuit 24. The output signal of the AND circuit 24 is supplied to the reset terminal R of the flip-flop circuit 22 and also to one input terminal of an AND circuit 25. The head stop detection signal 56, after the carriage return is completed. is fed as a gate signal from the printing section 12 through an OR circuit 26 to the other input terminal of the AND circuit 25. The output signal of the AND circuit 25 is supplied through an OR circuit 27 to the input terminal of a tabset control register 15. The tabset control register consists of, for example. a shift register having the same memory capacity as the tabset register 13 and establishes a shift circulation circuit together with one bit delay circuit 28, an AND circuit 29 and the OR circuit 27. The output signal of 4 the OR circuit 26 is fed. as a gate signal. to the other input terminal of the AND circuit 29 through an inverter 30. A data signal S7 from the keyboard 10 is fed to, and temporarily stored in. the output buffer register 11. In the register 11 there is arranged a circuit 32 for reading out a heading digit of the data stored in the register 11. The data read out from the circuit 32 is coupled. as printing data, to the printing section 12 through an AND circuit 33.

A tab operating signal S8 is obtained by the operation of the keyboard 10 and provides a control instruction to a printing control circuit 34. The control instruction causes an output signal I to be obtained. The output signal I is supplied to the set terminal S of the flip-flop circuit 35 to cause it to be set. An output signal at the set output terminal Q of the flip-flop circuit 35 is fed as a right shift signal 530 to the head position register 14 through OR circuits 36 and 18, and also as a stepwise head moving signal S3b to the printing section 12 through OR circuits 36 and 18. The flip-flop circuit 35 is reset by the output signal of an AND circuit 37 to which are supplied the outputs of the AND circuit 29 and head position register 14.

The output signal I is next successively followed by an output signal II from the printing control circuit 34. The output signal II is supplied as a gate signal to the input terminal of an AND circuit 33. The output signal ll is next successively followed by an output signal Ill and output signal IV in order. The output signal III is supplied to the input terminal of the OR circuit 36, and the output signal 1V is supplied to the input terminals of an AND circuit 38 and of an AND circuit 39. Each time the outputs S9 of the AND circuit 38 are fed to the printing control circuit 34, the output signals 11, Ill and IV are successively generated in order. The output of the AND circuit 39 is fed. as a signal S10 to instruct the end of the printing, to the input terminal of the OR circuit 26. The output signal of a signal retaining circuit 40 is impressed through an inverter 41 to the other input terminal of the AND circuit 38. The output of the signal retaining circuit is fed directly to the other terminal of the AND circuit 39. The signal retaining circuit 40 is adapted to store and hold the output of the delay circuit 23, for example, until its storage content is shifted by a shift end pulse d) which is obtainable for each shifting cycle of the tabset register 13 and so on.

When a printing data S7 is input by the operation of the keyboard. a data common signal S11 corresponding to the number of digits of the data 87 is obtained at the same time. The data common signal is supplied, as a gate signal, to an AND circuit 43 through a timing control circuit 42 which will be described in detail hereinbelow. The output signal of the tabset control register 15 is fed directly to the other input terminal of the AND circuit 43. The output of the AND circuit 43 is supplied through the OR circuit 27 to the input side of the tabset control register 15. Thus, a short cut shift circulation circuit including the control register 15 is established.

Where printing is effected using the printing section signals (bits) corresponding to the tabset positions (10, 20 etc.) of the chart as shown in FIG. 2, information is stored in the tabset register 13 in a form. for example, shown in FIG. 3A. The storage of the tabset positions is effected by the operation of the tabset space of the keyboard and through the instruction to select the tabset position. That is, the operation of the keyboard 10 causes a tabset space signal S2 to be produced to permit a head step-by-step moving signal S3!) to be supplied through OR circuit 18 to the printing section, thereby shifting the head position to the right. The operation of the printing section 12 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 1D. At the same time, the bit stored in the head position (most significant position) of the head position register 14 is shifted to the right or the next lower position. The bit position stored in the head position register 14 is always shifted in synchronism with the head of the printing section 12. Therefore, the bit position stored therein exists in a manner to correspond to the printing head position. Suppose that a tabset position 10 (FIG. 3A), for example, corresponding to the tabset position 10 of a descriptive list be stored in the tabset register 13. Then, a printing head position is stepped to 10 by a tabset space signal S2 i.e. a step-by-step head moving signal 3b. In the state so attained, a tabset position selecting signal S1 is fed, as a gate signal, to the AND circuit 16. Since the tabset register 13 and head position register 14 are shift-circulated in synchronism, the position of the head position register 14 is written, as a tabset position 10, and stored in the tabset register 13. Likewise, when the tabset space operation and tabset selecting operation are effected by comparing the printing head position and the tabset position of the descriptive list as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of tabset positions each defining a respective column of the list can be written and stored in the tabset register 13 as shown in FIG. 3A.

After the tabset positions as shown in FIG. 3A are set in the tabset register 13, data are printed in the respective column of the list as shown in FIG. 2. Inthis case, the operation of the keyboard 10 causes a carriage return signal S4 to be generated to permit the head to be returned to a head position (for example, a zero position) and also the position stored in the head position register 14 to be returned, for example, to a zero position. When the carriage return signal S4 is produced, then a head return end signal S5 is obtained from the printing section 12. The signal S5 causes the flip-flop circuit 19 to be set to permit a right-shift signal 830 to be fed to the head position register 14 through the OR circuit 18. The output from the OR circuit 18 is also fed, as a head right-shift signal 53b, to the printing section. As will be understood from the above description, the stored bit of the head position register and the printing head are both shifted to the right by the same increments of digits.

To explain in more detail, when the head is right stepped until the stored bit of the head position register 14 is shifted to a position corresponding to a tabset position of the tabset register 13 (see FIG. 3B), then an output signal is obtained from the AND circuits 20 and 21. The output of the AND circuit 20 causes the flip-flop circuit 19 to be reset and the head stops its stepwise movement. The output of the AND circuit 21 causes the flip-flop circuit 22 to be set and its set output is delayed at the delay circuit 23 by one bit shift time and fed, as a gate signal, to the AND circuit 24.

When, subsequent to the output (by which the flipflop circuit 22 is set) corresponding to the tabset position 10 of the tabset register 13, an output corresponding to a tabset position 20 is supplied to the AND circuit 24, an output signal is obtained due to the abovementioned delay. Since the signal S6 obtained from the printing section 12 when the head is stopped subsequent to the carriage return, is supplied to one terminal of the AND circuit 25, an output is derived from the AND circuit 25 upon supply of the output of the AND circuit 24 to the other terminal of the AND circuit 25. This output represents a position signal corresponding to the tabset position 20 of the tabset register 13 and is written and stored in the tabset control register 15 (see FIG. 3C). In FIG. 3A, a column Cl is defined by the upper tabset position l0 and the lower tabset position 20 and a column C2 is defined by the upper tabset position 20 and the lower tabset position 30. Columns C3 et seq. are defined in the same manner.

Suppose the case in which a numeral data is printed in the first column Cl, as shown in FIG. 2. The operation of the keyboard 10 causes a data S7, 145 for example, to be input. The data 145 is stored in an input buffer register (not shown) of the keyboard 10. At the same time, a data common signal 511 corresponding to the digits of the data is fed, as a gate signal, to the AND circuit 43 through a timing control circuit 42. There fore, in the tabset control register 15 a shortcut shift circulation circuit not including a delay circuit 28 is established. To the memory bit representative of the earlier stored tabset position 20, next subsequent bits are additionally added according to the digit or order of the input data, as shown in FIG. 3D. That is, memory bits corresponding to a 3-digit number I45 are additionally added on the left side of the memory bit of the earlier stored tabset position 20.

When I of the data I45 is printed in the highest memory bit position, then the lowest digit 5 is printed in the lowest printing position of the column C1.

There will now be explained the detailed process of the printing.

When the data is input and a signal S8 is generated through the operation of the keyboard (i.e. the tab operation), this signal is supplied to printing control circuit 34 and an output signal I is produced from the control circuit. The output signal I causes the flip-flop circuit 35 to be set and the output signal is fed, as a head stepwise moving signal 3b, to the printing section 12 and as a right shift instruction signal 3a to the head position register 14. The input data is Written and stored in the buffer register 11.

As mentioned above, when the head is stepwise right shifted by the set output of the flip-flop circuit 35 and a memory bit position of the head position register 14 is right shifted, then the memory bit position of the head position register 14 coincides with the head memory bit position of the control register 15. At the time of the coincidence, an output signal is obtained from the AND circuit 37 and the flip-flop circuit 35 is reset. Also the stepwise shift of the head position and the shift of the head position register are stopped, and the printing head is set, as shown in FIG. 3E, to the position corresponding to the highest one of the digits additionally stored in the control register 15 i.e. to the printing position corresponding to a highest digit l of the input three-place numerical data 145.

When the printing head is so set, an output signal II is obtained from the printing control circuit 34. The signal is impressed, as a gate signal, to the AND circuit 33. Since the highest digit l of the input data is read out in the heading digit readout circuit 32, an instruction to print a digit 1 is given to the printing section when the AND circuit 33 is opened by a signal II. Thus, I is printed in that position of a descriptive sheet corresponding to the highest digit stored as will be understood from FIG. 3D. An output signal III is obtained from the printing control circuit 34. This output signal [11 causes the head position to be stepwise shifted by one digit, and also the memory position of the head position register 14 to be right shifted by one digit, as shown in FIG. 3F. From the print control circuit 34 is obtained an output signal IV which is applied to the AND circuits 38 and 39. At this stage, however, the head position register 14 and the tabset register 13 do not coincide in the memory bit position, and the output of the holding circuit 40 is obtained.

Since an output signal S9 is derived from the AND circuit 38 through the inverter 41, output signals 11, III and IV are sequentially obtained from the print control circuit 34. When the signal II is supplied to the gate 33 a numerical value 4 one place lower than the preceding numerical value I is read out from the heading digit readout circuit 32, supplied as an input to the printing section 12 and printing 4 is effected. Under the generation of the output signal III the head is stepwise right shifted and at the same time the memory position of the head position register 14 is one place right shifted as shown in FIG. 36. In a position as shown in FIG. 3G the tabset register 13 and the head position register 14 do not coincide in the memory bit position and an output S9 is obtained. Likewise, output signals II, III and IV are sequentially obtainedv Under the presence of the signal II a numerical value corresponding to the final digit of 145 is printed. After the printing, the head is stepped one place and the head position register assumes the memory position as shown in FIG. 3".

When the head position register assumes the memory bit position as shown in FIG. 3H. the head position register 14 and the tabset register 13 coincide in bit position. Therefore, the flip-flop circuit 22 is set and the holding circuit 40 produces an output 1 when an output IV is obtained from the print control circuit 34. This causes an output signal to be derived from the AND circuit 39. This signal is impressed as a print end signal S to the AND circuit 29 through the OR circuit 26 and the inverter 30. Upon the closure of the AND gate 29 the memory of the tabset control circuit 27 is erased, while the gate of the AND circuit is opened to permit a signal corresponding to a tabset position 30 next subsequent to the tabset position 20 (for example, that tabset position defining a column C2 as shown in FIG. 3A) to be written into the tabset control register 15, as shown in FIG. 31, in readiness for next printing into the column C2. The printing into the column C2 is performed in the same manner as the printing into the column Cl.

With the above-mentioned embodiment the stored information of the tabset control register is additionally left shifted for setting the printing position of the heading digit of the data.

The stored position of the tabset control register 15 may be simply left shifted. Instead of the tabset control register a counter may be used to shift a tabset position according to the number of digits of printing data. Though the keyboard is employed as a data input means, the data input may be supplied from calculators or any other input device. The head position register may be replaced by a counter.

Though the above-mentioned embodiment is adapted to move the head for printing, it is needless to say that provision may be made instead for moving a sheet to be printed on, using the above-described inventive concept.

To better clarify the above mentioned operations, the constructions and operations of the timing control circuit 42, the printing control circuit 34 and the printing section 12 will be explained in detail.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the timing control circuit 42 includes a flip-flop circuit 53 and a delay circuit 54 connected between the reset terminal R and the terminal Q of the flip-flop circuit 53. A data common signal which is produced each time a data key is depressed is supplied to the set terminal S of the flip-flop circuit 53 and the set output from the set output terminal Q is supplied to the AND gate 43. The flip-flop circuit 53 is such that the output value at its terminal Q becomes 1 when the data common signal S11 is supplied to the flip-flop circuit 53 and remains so till the output of the delay circuit 54 resets the flip-flop circuit. In other words, the timing control circuit controls the time during which the AND gate circuit 43 is kept open. If data are to be printed in column C1, one bit is memorized in the tabset control register 15 at position 20 corresponding to the lower position 20 which defines the column C1 (see FIG. 3C). Then bits identical in number with the digits of data 145 (Le. three bits) are stored in the register 15 at positions 17, I8 and 19, respectively (see FIGS. 3D to 3G). Thus, digits 1 4 and 5 can be printed respectively at positions 17, I8 and 19 of the printing paper. Namely, each time a signal S11 is supplied to the timing control circuit 42, a bit is stored in register 15 at a position to the left of position 20. To effect such bit storing, gate 43 should be opened during each one circulating period of the tabset control register 15. It is by timing control circuit that the opening of the gate 43 is made successfully A bit stored at position 20, for example, is always circulated through the circulating circuit comprised of the register 15, delay circuit 28, AND circuit 29 and OR circuit 27. If the delay time of delay circuit 54 is properly predetermined, bit-addition can be made as shown in FIG. 3D. The timing control circuit may also be constituted by a mono-multi vibrator circuit.

The printing control circuit 34 may be constituted as illustrated in FIG. 1C, by an OR circuit 58, delay circuits 59 and 60 and flip-flop circuits 55, 56 and 57. To print data 145 in column Cl (FIG. 3A), three bits have been already stored in the tabset control register 15 at respective positions to the left of the tabset position bit at position 20 (FIG. 3D) as described above. Further, I45 urged by data signal S7 have been memorized in the buffer register 11, thus being prepared to be printed. In this condition, the tab operation key is tapped to feed a tab operation signal S8 to the set terminal of the flip-flop circuit 55. Upon receipt of the signal S8, the flip-flop circuit 55 emits from its terminal C) an output signal I, which sets the flip-flop circuit 35. Then the flip-flop circuit 35 emits from its terminal Q an output, which is transmitted to the printing section 12 as a printing head step-by-step moving signal 3b through the OR circuits 36 and 18. Driven by the signal S36, a printing head described later advances step by step to the right from position 10. The single bit stored in the register 14 similarly advances in synch'ronism with the movement of the printing head. As illustrated in FIG. 3D, when position bits 17 in the register 14 and tabset control register 15 coincide timely with each other, the AND gate 37 emits an output to reset the flip-flop circuit 35. Once so reset, the flip-flop circuit 35 has its output at the terminal 0 becoming 0. This stops the printing head at position 17 where the highest order digit l of data 145 is to be printed. Meanwhile, the output of the AND gate 37 is supplied to the flipflop circuit 56 via the OR circuit 58 and sets the flipflop circuit 56. The flip-flop circuit 56 now emits from its tenninal an output signal II to the AND gate 33 as a gate signal. Urged by the output signal II, digit 1 of data 145 already fed from the buffer register 11 into the heading digit read-out circuit 32 is printed by the printing head at position l7 of the printing paper (FIG. 30 or 3E). The output signal II is delayed by the delay circuit 59 for the period required to print digit 1 and resets the flip-flop circuit 56 and sets the flip-flop circuit 57 concurrently. The flip-flop circuit 57 supplies from its terminal Q an output signal III to the printing head via the OR circuits 36 and 18. The output signal III drives the printing head over only one step and shift the sole bit in the register 14 to the next bit position. The output signal [I or printing command signal at this stage is not emitted until the printing of data I45 is detected as duly completed. This means'that the output signal II] is delayed by delay circuit 60 for the period required to print digit 4, the second digit of data 145 and then supplied to the AND circuit 38.

All the time the contents of the registers 13 and 14 are circulated in synchronism with each other. When the bit stored in register 13 at position 20 and the single bit stored in the register 14 coincide positionally, a signal of level 1 is supplied to the maintaining circuit 40. The single bit of register 14, which is already shifted to position l8 (FIG. 3F) by the output signal III after the printing of digit 1 cannot coincide with the bit stored in the register 13 at position 20. As a result, the output levels of the maintaining circuit 40 and inverter 41 are 0 and 1, respectively. Consequently, the output signal S9 of the AND circuit 38 sets the flip-flop circuit 56 through the OR circuit 58. The output signal II from the flip-flop cricuit 56 is therefore supplied to the AND circuit 33 as a gate signal and spurs to the printing section 12 a signal indicating digit 4 of data I45 readout to the heading digit register 32, thereby to print digit 4 on the printing paper.

Upon completion of printing digit 4, the flip-flop circuit 57 is set as described above, generating the output signal III. The signal III is transmitted to the printing head through the OR circuits 36 and 18, and drives the printing head stepwise and shifts the sole bit in the register 14 to position 19 (FIG. 3G). At this stage, the bit in the tabset register 13 at position 20 does not coincide with the single bit in the register 14 which is now at position 19, and the output level of the inverter 41 is 1. Accordingly, the flip-flop circuit 56 is set by signal S9 to generate the output signal I]. The output signal II urges to the printing section 12 a signal indicating of data I45 read out to the heading digit readout circuit 32, thereby to print digit 5 on the printing paper.

When the printing head finishes printing digit 5, the output signal II is forwarded to the flip-flop circuit 57 via the delay circuit 59 and causes the flip-flop circuit 57 to generate the output signal III. The output signal III makes the printing head advance one step forward, and, simultaneously, the sole bit in the register 14 is shifted to position (FIG. 31-1). The bit now in register 14 at position 20 coincides with the bit in the register 13 at position 20. As the result, the output level maintaining circuit 40 becomes 1 and signal S9 is not generated any more. However, the AND circuit 39 generates an output signal or printing end signal S10. Through the OR circuit 26 and inverter 30, the end signal S10 is supplied to the tabset control register 15 and stops the register 15 circulating the content, rubbing out for bits from the register 15. Then, a bit at lower tabset position 30 which defines column C2 (FIG. 3A) is transferred to the tabset control register 15. After this, another data can be printed in the column C2, merely tapping the data and operation keys X times as required in accordance with the number of digits forming the data.

An embodiment corresponding to the printing section 12 includes, as shown in FIG. ID, a printing head 61 movable in the directions indicated by arrow 62, a carriage control device 63 which moves mechanically the printing head 61, a character code generator 64 the output of which is given to the printing head, an OR circuit 67, and switching means which produces required signals according to the movement of the printing head. The switching means are provided with a return stop sensing switch 66a, left margin sensing switch 66b and right margin sensing switch 66c. The switch 660 is closed when the printing head is driven to the left most end to produce the carriage return stop signal 85. The switch 66b is closed when the printing head is driven back from the left end to be stopped at a predetermined position to produce the printing head stop-detection signal S6. The switch 66: is closed when the printing head is driven to the right most end to produce a right margin signal S12. The carriage control device 63 is supplied with the printing head step-bystep moving signal 53b and also the carriage return instruction signal 84b and the right margin signal S12 through the OR circuit 67 for returning the printing head to the left. The data supplied from the AND circuit 33 are decoded, for example into the form of character matrix, in the character code generator 64 to be supplied to the printing head 61. A printing section having the above mentioned construction is disclosed in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 of the patent specification filed at United Kingdom on Nov. 3, 1965 and published on J an. 17, 1968 with US. Pat. No. 1,099,397.

Next, there will be explained how to feed the bits into the register 13 which also explains how to change a printing format on the printing paper. The tabset register 13 is provided with a clear circuit comprising a tabset register clear key 50, an inverter 51, and an AND circuit 52, and the key 50 is depressed. Then, the bits stored in register 13 are eliminated. The aforementioned single bit in the register 14 is assumed to be at position 0 (e.g. the left most position) in the register. Seven bits are stored in the register 13 in the following manner in order to define six columns as shown in FIG. 3A.

First, the tabset key (not shown) is tapped ten times to generate 10 tabset space signal S2, which are transferred to the register 14 as shift signals S30. When the register 14 receives the signals S3a, the bit stored in register 14 is shifted from position 0 to position l0 (FIG. 313). If the tabset selection key is depressed, a resultant tabset position selecting signal 81 opens the AND gate 16, the signal bit in the register 14 (i.e. a bit representing position 10) is read out to the register 13 via OR circuit 17, thus setting a first bit in the register 13 at position 10. This can be effected since the registers 13 and 14, as mentioned above, have the same construction and perform synchronous cyclic shiftings.

To store a second bit in the tabset position 20 of the register 13, the tabset space key is tapped ten more times to emit 10 tabset space signals S2 to register 14 as 1 1 shift signals S30. After shifting the single bit to position 20, the tabset selection key is again depressed to generate a tabset position selecting signal 81, making it possible to set position in the register 13 that is, to set the second bit at position 20 of the register 13. The tabset and selection keys are similarly operated, whereby third to seventh bits are stored at, e.g. positions 30 to 80 to define columns C3 to C8.

What is claimed is:

l. A control device for tabulation printing on a printing sheet comprising:

a. an input device 10) including data input means (87) for supplying data to be printed on said printing sheet and tabset signal input means for supplying column defining tabset position signals (82) and tabset control signals (S1, S8);

b. first storage means (1 l) coupled to said data input means (S7) of said input device (10) and temporarily storing said printing data supplied from said data input means (S7);

c. a printing section 12) including printing means coupled to said first temporary storage means (1]) and adapted to print the temporarily stored data in a column defined by said tabset position signals of the printing sheet to be printed, said printing section (12) further including means for causing a laterally relative sequential movement of the printing means and said printing sheet through a plurality of print positions associated therewith;

d. a tabset register (13) coupled to said tabset signal input means of said input device (10) and responsive to said tabset control signals (S1) for storing tabset position signals corresponding to at least one tabset position defining a respective printing column of the data;

. means (34) coupled to said printing section (12) for generating printing position signals (Ill) corresponding to printing positions relative to said printing sheet;

f. second storage means (14) coupled to said printing position signal generating means (34) and adapted to store said generated printing position signals;

g. timing means (S5, l9, 18) coupled to said second storage means (14) and to said printing means of said printing section (12) and for synchronizing the operation thereof;

h. reading means (2125, 27) coupled to said tabset register (13) and to said second storage means (14) for reading a lower tabset position signal, which defines a lower tabset position of a column on which said data is to be printed, from said tabset register (13) in response to a printing position 12 signal (83a) stored in said second storage means i. a tabset control register (15) coupled to said reading means (21-25, 27) for storing said lower tabset position signal read out from said tabset register (13), the stored signal defining a lower tabset position of a column of said printing sheet on which said data is to be printed;

j. first control means (42, 43, 28, 29) coupled to said tabset control register (15) for storing in said tabset control register 15) a signal representative of a position left shifted from the storing position of said lower tabset position signal to an extent equal to the number of digits or orders of said data where the highest digit or order of said data is to be printed; and

k. a second control means (34, 40, 41, 38, 39, 33) coupled to said printing means of said printing section l2) and to said first control means (42, 43, 28, 29) and adapted to print the highest digit or order of said data from said first temporary storage means (11) in the selected column of the printing sheet corresponding to the signal representative of that position which is stored in said tabset control register (15).

2. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 1 wherein said printing means of said printing section (12) includes a printing head which is laterally movable relative to said sheet to effect said printing.

3. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim I wherein said input device ([0) includes a manually operated keyboard means.

4. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 1 wherein the lowest digits or orders of the data are printed in vertical alignment and on the side of the lowest tabset position.

5. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 1 wherein said second control means (34, 40, 41, 38, 39, 33) includes means for moving said printing means of said printing section (12) laterally relative to said sheet without printing until said printing means reaches said selected column; and detecting means for detecting when the position of said laterally moved printing means reaches said selected column and for generating a corresponding control signal, said second control means causing said printing means to begin printing upon generation of said control signal.

6. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 5 wherein said detecting means includes means for comparing the contents of said second storage means (14) and of said tabset control register l5 and for generating said control signal when the contents thereof coincide in value.

' a: =l w :r

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,927,395 DATED 1 December 16, I 975 INVENTOR( I Toshio Kashio It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the initial page of the patent, change the address of the Assignee from "Higashiyamato,

Japan" to -Tokyo, Japan.

Signed and Sealed this twentieth Day of April1976 [SEAL] RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer ('mnmissimwr uflulcnls and Tftltlt'flldl'kj' 

1. A control device for tabulation printing on a printing sheet comprising: a. an input device (10) including data input means (S7) for supplying data to be printed on said printing sheet and tabset signal input means for supplying column defining tabset position signals (S2) and tabset control signals (S1, S8); b. first storage means (11) coupled to said data input means (S7) of said input device (10) and temporarily storing said printing data supplied from said datA input means (S7); c. a printing section (12) including printing means coupled to said first temporary storage means (11) and adapted to print the temporarily stored data in a column defined by said tabset position signals of the printing sheet to be printed, said printing section (12) further including means for causing a laterally relative sequential movement of the printing means and said printing sheet through a plurality of print positions associated therewith; d. a tabset register (13) coupled to said tabset signal input means of said input device (10) and responsive to said tabset control signals (S1) for storing tabset position signals corresponding to at least one tabset position defining a respective printing column of the data; e. means (34) coupled to said printing section (12) for generating printing position signals (III) corresponding to printing positions relative to said printing sheet; f. second storage means (14) coupled to said printing position signal generating means (34) and adapted to store said generated printing position signals; g. timing means (S5, 19, 18) coupled to said second storage means (14) and to said printing means of said printing section (12) and for synchronizing the operation thereof; h. reading means (21-25, 27) coupled to said tabset register (13) and to said second storage means (14) for reading a lower tabset position signal, which defines a lower tabset position of a column on which said data is to be printed, from said tabset register (13) in response to a printing position signal (S3a) stored in said second storage means (14); i. a tabset control register (15) coupled to said reading means (21-25, 27) for storing said lower tabset position signal read out from said tabset register (13), the stored signal defining a lower tabset position of a column of said printing sheet on which said data is to be printed; j. first control means (42, 43, 28, 29) coupled to said tabset control register (15) for storing in said tabset control register (15) a signal representative of a position left shifted from the storing position of said lower tabset position signal to an extent equal to the number of digits or orders of said data where the highest digit or order of said data is to be printed; and k. a second control means (34, 40, 41, 38, 39, 33) coupled to said printing means of said printing section (12) and to said first control means (42, 43, 28, 29) and adapted to print the highest digit or order of said data from said first temporary storage means (11) in the selected column of the printing sheet corresponding to the signal representative of that position which is stored in said tabset control register (15).
 2. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 1 wherein said printing means of said printing section (12) includes a printing head which is laterally movable relative to said sheet to effect said printing.
 3. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 1 wherein said input device (10) includes a manually operated keyboard means.
 4. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 1 wherein the lowest digits or orders of the data are printed in vertical alignment and on the side of the lowest tabset position.
 5. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 1 wherein said second control means (34, 40, 41, 38, 39, 33) includes means for moving said printing means of said printing section (12) laterally relative to said sheet without printing until said printing means reaches said selected column; and detecting means for detecting when the position of said laterally moved printing means reaches said selected column and for generating a corresponding control signal, said second control means causing said printing means to begin printing upon generation of said control signal.
 6. A control device for tabulation printing according to claim 5 wherein said detecting means includes means for comparing tHe contents of said second storage means (14) and of said tabset control register (15) and for generating said control signal when the contents thereof coincide in value. 